Applied Ethics

Framing ethical perspectives

Applied ethics refers to the practical applications of the moral principles that govern behavior. Carnegie Council focuses on this field, mostly through the realm of international affairs, by identifying and addressing the most critical ethical issues of today and tomorrow. Our initiatives, content, and experts analyze the way that governments, institutions, and individuals interact and make choices on global issues, such as climate change, emerging technology, and governance.

Featured Applied Ethics Resources

Practical conversations, decision analysis, and more

JUL 5, 2023 Article

A Framework for the International Governance of AI

Carnegie Council, in collaboration with IEEE, proposes a five-part AI governance framework to enable the constructive use of AI.

APR 12, 2022 Podcast

Surveillance Tech's Infinite Loop of Harms, with Chris Gilliard

In this discussion with Senior Fellow Arthur Holland Michel, Chris Gilliard explains why the arc of surveillance technology and novel AI bends toward failures that ...

Explore Our Applied Ethics Resources

OCT 29, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Searching for the Ethical Blogger

Blogs have evolved into a powerful sociopolitical force capable of shaping opinion, breaking news, and giving a voice to the voiceless. But with great chatter ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/integralfocus/83966554/">Jake Brewer</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en-us">CC</a>).

OCT 12, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: Merck's Dubai Ethics Center

Resolute ethical business standards can be a distinct bottom-line liability for companies operating in environments where corruption is more the rule than the exception. To ...

Pakistani piggybanks, or <em>gallas</em>. CREDIT: <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/umairmohsin/121150243/">Umair Mohsin</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en-us">CC</a>).

OCT 10, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Moral Interest in Banking

Pakistan, whose constitution requires that all laws be brought in conformity with sharia, is transitioning to a completely interest-free economy. Islamic finance is booming in ...

Kim Jong-il

SEP 6, 2007 Article

Engaging "Evil:" Searching for an Ethical Approach Toward North Korea

The temptation to focus on regime change as the solution to all the problems posed by Pyongyang is strong. But attempts to overthrow the regime ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nihaoblog/75877575/" target=_blank>blogger-china</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en-us">CC</a>).

JUL 31, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: The Blogger's Democratic Revolution

Thanks to the human love of commentary and information, blogs have created more connections among people and helped propel citizen journalism and democratic change. As ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/safari_vacation/5929769873/">Sal Falko</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

JUL 23, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: Suing against Corruption: The Role of Civil Law

As more and more World Bank and USAID money is spent on complex anticorruption programs, business can lead the way in the fight against corruption ...

JUL 2, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Chinese Sexual Culture

Devin Stewart interviews sociologist James Farrer about a recent conference in Beijing on sexuality and implications for human rights and civil society in China.

JUN 27, 2007 Article

ROUNDTABLE: Blair's Ethical Legacy

"To view Blair through Iraq alone is to ignore his extraordinary legacy in the areas of liberal interventionism, international development and climate change," says Roberts, ...

MAY 18, 2007 Article

U.S. Should Not Waver on U.K. Visa Policy

In the interests of security, should the U.S. end the visa waiver for British Muslims? The cost is far too high, says Frank Spring, ...

APR 26, 2007 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Estados Unidos Debe Redefinir el Comercio Justo

Devin Stewart establece un esquema que reconcilia la libertad y la justicia para crear una politica comercial mas etica. En el ejercicio de alcanzar el ...